Machine for assembling partitions



y 18, 1944; J. E. M LAUGHLIN ETAL MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING PARTITIONS Filed March 11, 1943 5 Shee'ts-Sheet l uq'klin Ill: Wiltke F zlmcvrmick J y 1944 J. MGLAUG-HLIN ETAL 2,353,842

MACHINE'FQR ASSEMBLING PARTITIONS Filed March 11, 1945 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 11E. M La hlin.

.E. Milffle y 18, J. E. MCLAUGHLIN ErAL i I 2,353,842

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING PARTITION S Filed March 11, 194:5 5 Sheets-Sheet s y 1944- J. EQM LAuGHLlN ETAL 2 MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING' PARTITIONS Filed March 11, 1943 s sh ets-sheet 4 M wf y 13, 1944- J. E. MOLAUGHLIN ET AL 2,353,842

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING PARTITIONS Filed March 11, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 J.E. M Laughlin 1]. Wilztke FA.MC,0rmick Patented July 18, 1944 UNITED "sTATEs PATENT OFFICE MACfiINE FOR ASSEMBLING PARTITIONS John E. McLaughlin, Julius E. Wilske, and Francis A. McCormick, Alton, Ill., assignors to Owens- Illinois Glass Company, a corporation of Ohio pplication March 11, 1943, Serial No. 478,842

1': Claims.

Our invention relates to apparatus for assembling strips of paper, cardboard, or the like, to form partitions such as are commonly used for dividing cartons and other containers into individual cells or compartments.

An object of the invention is to provide a machine by which the strips are automatically assembled and which is comparatively simple in construction and both rapid and reliable in operation.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings:

Fig, 1 is a side elevation of a machine embodying our invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine.

- Fig. 3 is a'fragmentary cross sectional elevation on a larger scale, the view being taken adjacent the intake end of the machine.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional elevation showing the pusher plate or bar, by which the cross strips are pushed down to assembled position, and adjacent parts.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional plan showing the pusher bar and associated parts.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view showing an adjustable frame in which the pusher bar is slidably mounted.

Fig. '7 is a sectional plan view of a forward portion of two of the longitudinal strip guides.

Fig. 8 is a vertical section at the line 8-8 on Fig. '1.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary elevation of a partition strip and the valves controlled thereby.

Fig. 10 is a partly diagrammatic view of the air system, the air motor and valves being shown in section.

Fig. 11 is a similar view of a modification;

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the operating parts are mounted on the framework comprisinglongitudinal frame members l5 and I6, uprights l1, cross bars l8, uprights l9 at the discharge end of the machine, and uprights each including a pair of spaced upright members 20, 2| at the assembly line intermediate the ends of the framework. The uprights I9 20, and 2| are extended upward above the frame members [5 to provide a support for a vertically adjustable framework which carries the cross partition strips, an air motor 25 and mechanism actuated thereby for assembling the cross stripswith the longitudinal strips. The-main framework also includes a cross bar 13* at the upper ends of the uprights IS, a cross bar at the upper ends of ,the bars 20, 2 I, longitudinal bars 26 connecting the cross bars 13', and 20', and a tie bar 21 intermediate the ends of the bars 26.

At the intake end of the machine,- platforms 28 are mounted on the framework to provide supports for the longitudinal partition strips 29 which may be placed in stacks or groups on serrated rails 30 on the platforms. A horizontally travelling endless belt conveyor 3| runs on a drive roll 32 and an idler roll 33 journalled in the main frame. The conveyor is driven continuously by an electric motor 34 having operating connection through speed reduction gearing with the roll 32. Cross bars 35 are attached to the face of the belt at intervals lengthwise thereof, for aligning each group of strips 29 when they are placed on the belt and driving them forward with the belt. The bars 35 may be adjusted lengthwise of the belt for varying the spacing therebetween. Metal plates or tabs 36 (Figs. 2 and 5) arranged at short intervals along the conveyor, provide means for attaching the bars 35 to the conveyor.

A series of stationary guide bars 31 are mounted directly over the conveyor and extend lengthwise thereof, said bars being parallel and spaced to correspond to the spacing of the slots in the cross partition strips with which the longitudinal strips are assembled. Each guide bar 31 is formed with a longitudinal slot 38 extending therethrough, to receive the partition strips 29 which, when placed on the conveyor, extend through the slots. The number and positions of the guide rails 31 are adjustable to thework in hand, the number being made equal to the number of longitudinal partition strips required for each assembly. Three such strips are herein shown.

Longitudinal guide strips 39 (Figs. 2 and 3) having convex upper surfaces, are placed between the guide bars 31 to facilitate the placing of the partition strips on the conveyor. The operator places a group of strips 29 on the conveyor; in this instance three strips, one for each supporting bar 31, so that they are aligned and carried forward by a cross bar 35 to the assembly zone Where they are assembled with cross partition strips 40 which are fed or' pushed downward one by one to assembled position. The cross strips are also formed with slots to receive the lower portions of the longitudinal strips.

Supporting means for the cross strips 40 and the assembly mechanism including the piston motor 25' and parts actuated thereby, are mounted on a framework which is adjustable up and down on the main frame to adapt the machine for assembling partition strips of difl'erent heights. The adjustable framework includes an end frame mounted between the pairs of uprights 20, 2|,

.. said end frame comprising vertical frame bars 42,

an up er cross bar 43, lower cross bars 44 and beneath the shaft II.

48 (Fig. 1). The adjustable framework further I includes longitudinal bars 88 which are preferably inclined as shown and connected to the end frames. -The bars 58 provide a support for the pack of cross strips 48. The pack of strips 48 is held against a vertical pusher plate 4| which operates as hereinafter described to push or knock the strips downward in succession to assembled position. The strips are moved forward by a plate 4|! to a position beneath the pusher plate 4|. The plate 4|" is slidable along the rails 88 and is held against the pack of strips by means of a weight (Figs. 1 and 2). The weight is connected to the plate 4 I by a cable -82 trained over pulleys 58, 84, and 88 (Fig. 4).

The guide bars 81 have their forward end portions 58 (Figs. 1 and 4) extended upwardly above the path of the partition strips 28 and thus provide supporting walls between which the strips are guided. A cross bar 51 clamps the ends of the guide bars 81 against the bar 44'. Brackets 58 (Figs. 2 and 4) attached to the adjustable frame, support a rod 88. Inclined arms 88 are connected between the rod 88 and the cross bar 44. The arms 88 are positioned to engage the upper edges of any strips 28 which may be tilted or not properly positioned on the belt, and push them downward into position preparatory to the assembling operation.

The piston motor 25 (Fig. includes a vertically reciprocating piston 8| and piston rod 82. The lower end of the piston rod is connected to the pusher bar or plate 4| by means of a connectingstrip or plate 88 which forms a backing for the plate 4|. When the pusher bar is lifted, the pack of strips 48 is advanced to position the foremost strip directly over a feed slot 84 (Figs. 4 and 5) formed between the frame bar 44 and a guide plate 65. The upper edges of the strips 48 pass beneath an inclined guiding plate 88 which guides the strips downward, holding them against the correspondingly inclined ends of the supporting bars 58. The pusher plate 4| is guided in its movements by means of guide blocks 81 (Fig. 6) which are slidable in channels 88 in theframe members 82.

Means for vertically adiusting the framework carrying the assembling mechanism. includes. a hand crank 18 (Figs. 1 and 2) on a shaft II iournalled in bearings on the main frame.- Coil springs I2 which counterbalance part of the weight of the adjustable framework and the parts supported thereon, are connectedat one end to the cross bar 21. Each spring is attached at its opposite endto a connector bar 88. To each connector bar is attached one end of a sprocket chain I4 which is trained over a sprocket wheel on the shaft II; the other ends of the chains 14 being attached to the adiustabie frame directly Chains I8 are also connected at one end to the bars 18 and are trained over sprocket wheels on the shaft I I and extend the cross bar 28 and are attached to the. upper cross bar 48 of the adjustable frame.

The means for automatically controlling the operation of the piston motor will now be described.

The operation of the motor control valve is controlled by the slotted partition strips 28 which function as valves in an air pressure control system for the motor control valve. Referring to Fig. 18, the motor 28 is actuated by air (or other fluid) under pressure supplied through a pressure pipe 11 and pipe I8 leading to the motor control valve 18. Pipe lines 88 and 8| extend from the valve 18 to the upper and lower ends respectively of the motor cylinder. The motor valve 18 is actuated by air pressure under the control of auxiliary control valves 82 and 88.

As shown, the valve piston 84 of the motor valve I8 has been moved to the left so that air under pressure has been supplied through the valve and line 8| to the lower end of the motor cylinder and moved the piston 8| upward. A stop 88 which determines the upper position of the piston, is adjustable up and down by means of a screw rod 88 so that the length of the piston stroke may be adjusted to correspond to the height of the partition strips.

' The auxiliary valve 82 comprises a piston 81 which is moved to its lowered position as shown by a coil compression spring 88 and is moved upward against the compression of the spring by air pressure admitted through a pipe 88 which is in communication with the pressure pipe 11 through a pipe 88. The pressure within the pipe 88 is periodically reduced by opening it through a pipe 8|, forming an extension of the pipe 88, to the atmosphere. The pipe 8| is open to atmosphere through a port opening 82 in a valve head or block 88 attached to the pipe.

The block 88 is positioned to be engaged by a partition strip 28 as it advances to the assembling position. The strip closes the port 82 as it slides along said block, thereby allowing the full air pressure to be built up in the pipe 88. This pressure is sumcient to lift the valve piston 81 against the pressure of the spring 88. The pipe 88 being of restricted diameter, the pressure in the pipe 88 is reduced when the port 82 is opened, thereby allowing the valve piston to be lowered.

The valve 88 comprises a valve piston 85 which is lowered by a compression spring 86 and lifted by air pressure supplied through a branch pipe 81. A pipe 88 leads from the pipe 81 to a head 88 attached to the pipe 88 and having a vertical- 1y disposed slot I88 therein, forming a port opening to the pipe '88 and operating in the manner just described in connection with the head 88.

The heads 88 and 88 are carried on or formed integral with a plate |8I (see Figs. 4, 7 and 8) which is mounted on a plate I82 which in turn is mounted on the end of portion 88 of one of the guide bars 81. Plate m is adjustable lengthwise on the plate I82 and clamped in adjusted horizontally therefrom to sprocket wheels 18 on is points directly opposite the heads 88 and 88. In

spring.

this manner thestrip 2a is has against the valve heads and seals the port openings 92 and I". Leaf springs III (Fig. 7) are mounted on the other guide bars 91 and serve to hold strips there-1 in in proper position with all thestrips accurately spaced. The manner in which the partition strips control theassembling operations isas follows:

- "Whenthere vare no partition strips 29 in the assembly zone, the piston motor and the valves will be in the positions shown in Fig. in which the pusher plate. is lifted Asa-set of strips 29 advances, the forward end of a:,strii mpved into sliding contact with the heads and 99' the port I09, it allows air pressure to be built up beneath the valvepiston 95, so' that the piston is lifted as before described. This closes a pipe line III leading to the left end of the motor control valve I9. This takes place before the lower port 92 has been completely closed owing to the horizontal elongation of said port (see Fig. 9).

The port 92 is fully closed immediately after the valve piston 95 has been lifted, thereby allowing pressure to be built up in the pipe 9|, so that the piston 91 is lifted. This opens the valve 82 to a pipe H2 and holds it open throughout the Das-' sage of the partition strip through the assembly zone.

As the strip 29 continues its forward movement, the first slot 4| therein is brought'opposite the port I09 and opens the latter momentarily, permitting the valve piston 95 to be lowered by its This establishes an air pressure line through the two open valves 92, 93 and pipe III to the motor control valve 19 so that the piston 84 therein is shifted to the right. This opens the pipe line 89 to the pressure pipe 19 and vents the pipe line 8I to atmosphere through a port II3 so that the motor piston BI is moved downward. The knocker bar 4| is thus carried rapidly downward and pushes the cross strip 49 therebeneath downward, assembling it with the group of strips 29. As the knocker bar is completing its down stroke, a cam finger H4 attached thereto, opens a poppet'valve IIS connected in an air ressure line I" leading from the pressure pipe 19 to the right-hand end of the valve I9. The opening of the valve IIS causes the valve piston 94 to be shifted to the left, and thus reverses the connections for the piston motor so that the piston is moved upward and lifts the plate 4|. It should be noted that at this time the piston 95 of the valve 99 is in its lifted position, so tha pressure through the pipe IIIis'cutoif.

As each succeeding slot 4| of the partition strip reaches the port I99, the latter is opened so that the'cycle of operations of the motor 25 is repeated. In this manner the cross strips are assembled in rapid succession. The strips 29 lower edges are nearly at a level with the bottoms'4I' of the slots 4| before the latter are brought directly into alignment with the cross strips. The plate |9| (Fig. 4) carrying the valve heads 99, 99 may be adjusted horizontally to obtain the desired timing of such operation.

During the final downward movement of the cross strip, it may be slightly bent or sprung out of vertical line by the forward movement of the longitudinal strips, but immediately springs into p s t on a ain P152119. c ea e de p at 5 and reache its full i eeemb sdma it pn- F ea ll'illustrates amodified formo e control mechanismior the piston motor 26. As

shown, the motor control valve I29 comprises a valve piston I2| formed with a bore I22 extendinglengthwise therethrough, and also communicating at an intermedaite point with the valve chamber I23 which is open to a pressure pipe I24. ,One end of the valve chamber is open to a pipe I 25 leading to a tappet valve I26 which is self-closing and which is opened to vent the pipe I25, by a tappet I2'I carried on the knocker plate 4|. Pipe lines I28 and I29 lead respectively from the heads 93 and 99 to the valve chamber of a spool valve I39.

The operation of the modified construction shown in Fig. 11 is as follows:

With the parts in the position shown, air pressure is admitted through the motor valve I29 to the upper end of the motor cylinder so that the piston moves downward and operates the knocker plate 4| for assembling a cross strip. During the final portion of this movement, the tappet I21 opens the relief valve I26, thereby relieving the pressure at the left-hand end of the valve piston I 2| so that the latter is moved tothe left by the air pressure admitted through the bore I22 to theright-hand end of the valve chamber. The motor is thus reversed and the piston BI lifted.

when a slot 4| in the advancing partition strip 29 opens the port in the valve head 99, the line I 29 is opened, thereby relieving the air pressure at the right-hand 'end of the valve piston I2I so that the latter is again shifted to the right by pressure supplied through the bore I22. This completes the cycle, leaving the parts in the position shown so that the operation is repeated. When the strip 29 passes beyond the heads 93, 99, the line I29 is opened and relieves the pressure beneath the valve I99 so that the latter is lowered A control of the head 99 so that further operation move forward without interruption during the assembling operations. In this connection it should be noted that the assembling strokes of of the motor is prevented until the next strip 29 closes the port in the head 93.

Modifications of theapparatus herein disclosed may be resorted to within thespirit and scope of our invention.

' We claim:

Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising means for supporting longitudinal strips on edge, means for supporting a group of cross strips, means for effecting arelative movement of the longitudinal strips and the group of cross strips in a direction lengthwise of said longitudinal strips, means for assembling cross strips from said group singly and in succession with the longitudinal strips during said relative movement,

and pneumatic dinal strips for ations.

2. Apparatus for assembling partition-strips means controlled by said longitucontrolling said assembling opercomprising means for supporting longitudinal strips on edge, means for supporting a group of cross strips, means tor eflecting a relative movement or the longitudinal strips and the group of cross strips in a direction lengthwise said lon-' longitudinal strips having slots at intervals along I their length for receiving the cross strip a motor, means operated thereby for assembling the cross strips singly and in succession with the longitudinal strips, air valves controlling the operation or the motor, air lines extending from said valves and having ports therein in position to be closed by a said longitudinal strip during the assembling operation, one oi said ports being arranged to be opened by said slots in succession, means for supplying pressure to said air lines, and means controlled by the pressure in said lines for operating said valves and thereby controlling the operation oithe motor.

4. Apparatus ior assembling partition strips including longitudinal strips and cross strips,

said longitudinal strips having slots at intervals along their length for receiving the cross strips, a motor, means operated thereby for assembling the cross strips singly and in succession with the longitu al strips, an air pressure line having a port th rein positioned and arranged to be closed by a said longitudinal strip and to be opened intermittently by the slots in said strip during the assembling operations, and means controlled by, the pressure in said line for eflecting'intermittent, periodic operation of the motor.

5. Apparatus tor-assembling partition strips comprising means for advancing longitudinal strips through an assembly zone, means for supporting a supply of cross strips at said zone, a

motor, means actuated thereby'for assembling the cross strips in succession with the longitudinal strips, the latter having slots for receiving the cross strips, a contact head positioned and arranged to have sliding contact witha longitudinal strip during the assembling operations, an air pressure line extending to said contact head, said head having a port opening to said line and arranged to be closed by the strip during said sliding contact and to be opened intermittently by said slots, means for supplying air under pressure to said line and causing pressure to be built up in said line when said port is closed, and a assaaaa port in said line arranged to be closed by the strip during said sliding contact and to be opened intermittently by the slots in said strip, said auxiliary valve being under the control or the pressure in said last mentioned air line.

7. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising means ior advancing longitudinal strips through an assembly acne, means ior supporting a supply-oi cross strips at said zone, a motor, means actuated thereby for assembling the cross strips in succession with the longitudinal strips. the latter having slots for receiving the cross strips, a motor control valve controlling the operations of themotor, means providing an air pressure line leading tothe motor control valve, an auxiliary valve in'said line controlling the operation of themotor control valve, a contact head arranged to have sliding contact with one of said strips during the assembling operation, an air pressure line extending from said auxiliary valve to said head, the latter having a port in said line arranged to be closed by the strip during said sliding contact and to be opened intermittently by the slots in said strip, said auxiliary valve being under the control of the pressure in said last mentioned air line, a second auxiliary valve, means providing a pressure line extending through said auxiliary valves, a second contact headpositioned and arranged to have sliding contact with said strip. an air pressure line extending from said second auxiliary valve to said second head and having a port in said second head arranged' to be held closed by said strip, and means for closing said second auxiliary valve while the port in said second head is open, said auxiliary valve being operable by air pressure built up by the closing of said last mentioned line for opening the valve.

8. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising a piston motor, means operable thereby for assembling strips from one group of strips in succession with another group of strips, a motor valve, air lines extending from the valve to the opposite ends of the motor cylinder, means for supplying air under pressure to said valve, means operated by the assembling mechanism to actuate-said valve, and means controlled by a v partition strip to reverse said valve.

9. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising means for advancing longitudinal the longitudinal strips, a reversiblecontrol valve valve controlled by the pressure in said air line and controlling the operation of said motor.

6. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising means for advancing longitudinal strips through an assembly zone, means for supporting a supply of cross strips at said zone, a motor, means actuated thereby for assembling the cross strips in succession with the longitudinal strips, the latter having slots for receiving the cross strips, a motor control valve controlling the operations of the motor. means providing an air pressure line leading to the motor control valve, an auxiliary valve in said line controlling the operation of the motor control valve, a contact head arranged to have sliding contact with one or said strips during the assembling operation, and an air pressure line extending from said auxiliary valve to said head, the latter having a controlling the operation oi the motor, an auxiliary valve controlled by a said strip during the assembly operation for eilecting intermittent operation of the control valve in one direction, and

means actuated .by the motor periodically in alternation with the operation of said auxiliary valve for reversing the motor control valve.

'10. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising a piston motor, an assembling device connected to the motor piston and operable by reciprocation of the piston to assemble strips of one group in succession with a second group of strips, a motor, control valve including a valve piston, an air pressure line extending to said valve, air lines connecting the valve to opposite ends of the motor cylinder, said valve piston beingshiitable for reversing the motor, an auxiliary valve controlling the operation oi said valve piston in one direction, means controlled by a partition strip to efiect a periodic operation of said auxiliary valve, a third valve controlling theoperation of said piston motor in the opposite direction, and means actuated by the motor piston for actuating said third valve periodically in alternation with said periodic operation ofsaid auxiliary valve.

11. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising a piston motor, an assembling device connected to the motor piston and operable by reciprocation of the piston to assemble strips of one group in succession with asecond group of strips, 9. motor control valve including a valve piston, an air pressure line extending to said valve, air lines connecting the valve to opposite by the said partition strip, said auxiliary valve' being operable by pressure in said last mentioned line, and a valve actuated by th piston motor periodically in alternation with said auxiliary valve and operable to reverse the said valve piston of the motor control valve.

12. Partition assembling apparatus comprising, in combination, means for advancing partition strips lengthwise through an assembling zone, means for supporting the strips in upright position as they advance, a piston motor mountezl above the path of said strips, said motor comprising a vertically reciprocating piston and piston rod, a pusher connected to said rod, means for supporting cross strips above said first mentioned strips and feeding them in succession into the path of said pusher, the latter being operable to push said cross strips downward and thereby assemble them with the strips therebeneath, a motor control valve controlling the operation of the piston motor, a second valve controlling the operation of said motor control valve, and means actuated by the motor for operating said second valve.

13. Partition assembling apparatus comprising, in combination, means for advancing partition strips lengthwise through an assembling zone, means for supporting the strips in upright position as they advance, a piston motor mounted above the path of said strips, said motor comprising a vertically reciprocating piston and piston rod, 9. pusher connected to said rod, means for supporting cross strips above said first mentioned strips and feeding them in succession into the path of said pusher, the latter being operable to push said cross strips downward and thereby assemble them with the strips therebeneath, a motor control valve controlling the operation of the piston motor, a poppet valve, a cam connected to reciprocate with the motor piston and operable as the piston completes its downward stroke to operate said poppet valve, means for supplying air pressure through said Poppet valve to the motor control valve for reversing the latter and thereby causing the motor piston to be lifted when the poppet valve is actuated, an auxiliary valve, and an air pressure line extending from the auxiliary valve to the path of a said partition strip and arranged to be closed by said strip and opened by slots in the strip, said auxiliary valve being operable by air pressure in said line and operated in alternation with said poppet valve for reversing the motor control valve.

14. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising means for advancing a longitudinal partition strip, a motor, assembly mechanism actuated thereby for assembling cross strips with said longitudinal strip, a contact head having a port therein, means for holding the said longitudinal strip against said head and closing said port as the strip advances, an air line extending from said port, and means controlled by pressure variations in said line for controlling the operation of said motor.

15. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising a traveling conveyor, means for supporting a longitudinal strip in upright position on the conveyor and causing it to travel with the conveyor, a motor, mechanism actuated by the motor for assembling cross strips with said longitudinal strip, a contact head having a port therein, means for holding said head in position for.

the port to be closed by said longitudinal strip as it advances with the conveyor, valve mechanism controlling the operation of the motor, means providing an air line extending from said port to said valve mechanism, and means for supplying air pressure to said line and causing said pressure to fluctuate with the opening and closing of said port, said valve mechanism being controlled and operated by said fluctuating pressure for eflecting a periodical operation of the motor.

16. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising a horizontal traveling conveyor, a guide bar positioned over the conveyor and extending lengthwise thereof, said guide bar having a longitudinal slot and forming a support for partition strips placed in said slot and carried on the conveyor, and spring means for holding the strip against one wall of said slot as a strip advances with the conveyor.

17. Apparatus for assembling partition strips comprising a horizontal traveling conveyor, a guide bar positioned over the conveyor and extending lengthwise thereof, said guide bar having a longitudinal slot and forming a support for partition strips placed in said slot and carried on the conveyor, a contact head having an opening extending therethrough, said head having a stationary mounting in position to bear against a partition strip as the latter advances with the conveyor and thereby close said opening, an air line extending from said opening, means for supplying air pressure to said line, and means controlled by said pressure for assembling cross strips with said longitudinal strip.

JOHN E. MCLAUGHLIN. JULIUS E. WILSKE. FRANCIS A. MCCORMICK. 

